John Deere – 1025R Sub-Compact Tractor

I was choosing between the 1025R and another brand. I ultimately chose the 1025R because of the availability and ease of attachments. I was especially impressed with the drive over mower deck.

Despite the premium price, there have been a number of quality issues with the tractor and my dealer experience has not been stellar either. The tractor just turned two. Here is a list of just some of the issues thus far (not an exhaustive list and doesn't include dealer and attachment issues).

1. Steering wheel tilt did not work and was locked in place.
2. Mower deck height adjustment knob is crooked and does not operate correctly.
3. Block heater installed improperly (more a dealer issue)
4. The easy drive over mower deck.....I'll just leave this one here.
5. The reverse pedal that appears to be sturdy metal literally snapped in two right as I was working to disconnect the 'easy' mower deck.

So, my experience over two years of residential use has not matched with the price paid or the reputation marketed. Between this and the dealer service at two different locations I have been disappointed in my ownership experience.

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This little tractor continues to surprise me. After owning John Deeres for the last 40 plus years. This is most likely one of the best that has come along .
The agility of this machine is amazing, prior to owning this 1025R I had a X360 to cut grass with.which was pretty nimble a little over powered but a really good machine.The 1025R is just as maneuverable as the smaller machine .The power to weight is much better on the 1025R than the smaller machine.
With the loader I have moved a lot of loose material rather quickly given the size bucket .It dose a good job grading..
I just got to use the backhoe to re-landscape our driveway entrance ,again the power of this little machine is impressive,compacted blue stone and bank run gravel dug through it like a full size backhoe .
When operating this machine I find the controls are exactly where you would expect, all with in easy reach from the driver seat .
The loader is very easy to install and uninstall. I just wish all of them were this easy 30 years ago.
The backhoe is a breeze to uninstall .I found that installing it to be a little cumbersome It may just take a little more time to get the hang of it.
Cutting the 2 acres of grass Is no longer so time consuming set the RPM,s at 2400 and go it that easy. Cutting around tree it gets close to the mulch with very little weed whacking required. I am still playing with the speed /RPM to find the best cut for my yard it just take a few more cut and it should be dialed in.
Overall I think John Deere has done a really good job with this tractor with all the attachment that are available I see my self going back and buying other attachments.
The only item that give me some concern is the light mounted on the ROPS .I have already hit them once on a tree limb.Went straight to the dealer and bought the guards for the lights seem to help. maybe some kind of redesign on the next model.

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I have owned a Kubota BX in the past and although a great tractor, the John Deere 1025 R is leagues ahead of its orange brethren. I have had the 1025 R for almost 2 years and could not be happier.

The tractor is used to maintain the 4 acre property in New Hampshire. It is a workhorse, mowing, plowing, dislodging tree stumps and various landscaping projects.

The engine, is immensely powerful, yet insanely efficient, sipping fuel. The seating, quick disconnect systems for the mower and other attachments are a dream.

Best Feature? We often get heavy wet snow being on the coast of New Hampshire. Everyone struggles even wit the biggest of snow blowers, but the 1025R never misses a beat. It throws heavy wet snow around like it is fluff. Never slips, and tons of reserve power.

Truly the best tractor one can but for the money! And its American! (Mostly minus the Yanmar Diesel)

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I purchased my JD sub-compact 1 1/2 years ago for a large drainage project on my property. This machine is awesome. The backhoe attachment is great and simple to use and made quick work of a job that wouldn't have gotten done properly otherwise. The bucket was perfect for hauling the stone. It's like having a younger version of myself available to help me whenever I need it, and I don't have to bribe it to get it to work! I've used it to clear snow from the driveway, dig foundations for concrete work, haul firewood and countless other jobs that used to be difficult. I also plan to dig a new leech field for our septic system next year. I've never regretted this purchase for a moment.

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I was looking for a sub compactor tractor .10 days of going to all the dealers in my area the John Deere meets all that I’m looking for in a sub compactor tractor. I bought the brush hog box scraper any grapple. I only have 2.2 hours on it but I put it through all the paces with lifting a bucket full of granite dirt and moving logs on my property. This tractor is unbelievable.

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This is a great all around Sub Compact. I have a 2018, loader, backhoe, box blade and 60 inch MMM. I am very pleased so far with it but be prepared before you buy one, you need to know a few things.

1. All tractors eventually have small issues. Remember this is not a car. You are buying this to flat out beat on it so you can save your back. I suppose if you baby it, wash it daily, buff it, then maybe just maybe it will never have an issue. What I mean by issues is do not get prissy if a bolt comes loose here or there or if a snap ring comes loose. It is a tractor, it vibrates, they all do no matter what color!

2. This is a subcompact. With that in mind please remember it is not a skid steer and never will be one! Do not expect to go out and lift more than it specs. Also for those that complain about it being under-powered should have considered a larger machine!

3. Yes it has a lot of plastic, plastic that holds ups very well, that does not dent like steel, does not scratch easy, and does not rust!

4. If you are buying this just as a mower, do not waste your time and go get a zero turn. No one in their right mind buys a 1025R just to mow. Now if you have other purposes such as the need for a loader or 3-point attachment than go ahead. And do not listen to the other reviews, IF IT LEAVES LINES OR CUTS WEIRD THEN IT IS JUST OUT OF ADJUSTMENT!!!

5. Backhoe digs very well but you will not set any records with it.

6. 3 point has an adjustable height setting and lock, no others in this size do!

6. Lights are not dim as others state, I cut my grass in the dead of night and have no issues at all!

All in all this is a good machine! I shopped it to all the other brands and it came ahead. However, remember that your machine is only as good as the dealer! If your dealer is poor, do not blame the Deere. Make sure you have a good dealer first, no matter what brand you buy!

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Tractor hydraulics are severely under powered. Only a 681 lb 3 point is very limiting. Speed such slower than my older 2320. I do not buy into all the plastic hype. Headlights are dim. Not enough standard options for the money paid. The engine runs incredibly rough in summer, I cannot even imagine what winter starting will bring.

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Problems from the time I got it home had a noise under tractor dealer said bolts cross threaded in drive shaft. Dealer fixed that .deck hangs up when raising and lowering . 54inch belly mower cuts poor leaves streaks have to mow over several times defeats having a large deck had a 730 with 54 inch deck cut perfect tractor has spent a lot of days in shop and nothing solved so much for quality control and making customers happy guess I will have to trade for another brand I thought jd was the best but I was fooled

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Being a woman in my 60's I needed a small tractor that I could get up and down on but could handle the job at hand. It handles a single bottom plow with ease, tiller and scrape blade so far w/o any problems and believe you me I dug down deep with that bottom plow! I was use to an 8N and this little tractor reminds me of it. Fits in tight places and the backhoe! Oh that is worth so much!!! I have planted and moved more trees and shrubs and wonder how did I ever live without this thing! It was a real task to learn how to take it off and on but now, no problem. I can't wait to buy a cultivator/planter for it! I love this little tractor and it's perfect for me. It does everything I need it to do and hasn't failed me yet. Oh and the frontend loader is awesome! It's just right for my little hobby farm! I wish I had not waited so long to buy it! Love my 1025R.

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We purchased our 1025 a couple of years or so ago. It is really a well built machine. We live on 5 acres out in the country. If your needing something to remove stumps from the ground; this little tractor just won't do it. If your looking for something to mow with, haul dirt, gravel, or to smooth out your driveway; this little guy is awesome. You just need to know up front what it capabilities are so that you don't exceed them or your expectations are ruined. John Deere makes a great product. I have used mine for all kinds of things. We have knocked down brush and removed it with this. We have cleaned off land with this. If you talk with me, I'll tell you I think we made a wise investment. It's almost paid for now and we love it. My son usually names all our equipment, cars and such. I guess if he were to name this one he would probably be calling it Hulk Jr.

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When I was shopping for a sub-compact tractor I gave all brands in the area a chance to show me what they got to offer and tested their machines.

New Holland, Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Kubota and Mahindra were the brand's I tested on all their sub-compacts, they were all great machines but John Deere was the only one that stood out from the rest in terms of Performance, Durability and Functionality.

I bought a new 2019 1025R from premier equipment ospringe location in Wellington County, Ontario, Canada. Their salesperson "Joe" was the person who helped me with my purchase, I went in to look at x500 and x700 series models and ended up with a 1025R with 60" deck and 54" blower because I was blown away on the outstanding customer service that was delivered during my 1 month shopping for a Tractor, Joe answered all my questions and was very knowledgeable on the products. I was never rushed to buy anything and was always available to make time to show me products while I was shopping around.

I spoke with their mechanics and asked questions and they were prompt answering and also with a lot of knowledge with their products.

So far my 1025R has been working incredible, attachments easy to install and already looking forward to winter to test out my snow blower, I made the right choice picking John Deere, my machine gets a lot of attention from farmers in my area and couldn't be any happier and look forward on purchasing more equipment in the near future.

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I recently purchased this tractor with the backhoe attachment. I love the way it handles and its smooth operation. The controls were easy to learn and I tend to look for projects so I can get on the machine. There is only one thing I do not like and that is the fact that the tractor only comes with one key. After paying more than $20K for this machine, I tried to get a second key but they had to first order one for me and then I had to pay for it. At only $6 it was not a big deal but that is exactly my point. Why not provide 2 keys to start with and I could have saved myself another trip to the store. That is just cheap business practice.

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I have had my 1025 for several years and have several hundred hours on it. It has not had any issues. I have the quick release loader, backhoe, 4' box blade, 50" finish mower, 4' rotary cutter/shredder, 4' tiller, imatch quick hitch and pallet forks for the front. I have worked it hard on my hunting property in the country. My main use is on my 3 acres in town. I bought this because of the small size and getting into tight areas and my small barn doors.

This thing has been a real back saver for me around the house. The pallet forks have been the most useful implement I own. I use them all the time for work around the yard and pasture at home. The forks will even pick up and carry my round hay baIes (although they are much heavier than what I should be doing with this tractor). It will also pick up my 4-wheelers for loading on trailers. I use counter weight for sure when using the loader or forks.

I have 3 larger tractors on our country property, but prefer using this one for many tasks. The seat is much more comfortable (I did as stiffer springs) and it is so easy to get on and off.

When it is cold out, I start it and the engine runs rough for just a short time then smooths right out. Not a problem. This is my favorite tractor even though it is small. I am amazed all the work I can do with it. It is also fun to find stuff to do with it!

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This little tractor is only a few inches larger than any of the X series garden tractors although the versatility’s are endless in comparison. My wife has & will not hesitate to move or use it without intimidation. I have worked this tractor through it’s paces the last few month with absolutely no issues or disappointment. Cannot wait for the end of snow season for yard projects & to try out the mid mount mower.

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Purchased my 2017 model in January of 2019 - it was a dealer floor display model and so had been stored inside, was in new condition.
This has been not only a very versatile and easy to use piece of machinery but also a FUN little tractor that surprises me every day with it's power-to-size ratio.
Having grown up on the farm with a several large and medium sized tractors I first started looking at the 1 series as more of a large lawn & garden tractor for my acreage in Kansas.
This has turned into quite a workhorse that has made the job of brush clearing, brush hogging, tilling, firewood hauling and both lite and heavy landscaping much easier than expected.
I retired from a career that physically beat me up and so the idea of doing all of these many projects around my property was a bit daunting and I was concerned I might have to hire out more than a little bit of the work. With my front end loader, some suitcase weights on an easy hitch on the back, some heavy duty tow straps & chains and a full tank of diesel I have been able to remove many invasive trees from around my pond, move large decorative rocks around the property and put a really nice amount of river rock around the foundation of my weekend cabin - none of which would have been possible without my 1025r.
I opted to get a 3-point rotary mower instead of the belly mower offered and, for me at least, this has worked out great as I don't need a finished lawn look and the rotary mower (brush hog) cuts short and does a nice job.
This tractor is very easy to use and just the right size for most homeowners who have more land than is manageable for a lawn mower and who may have always wanted something with the capability to move gravel, till, mow heavier grass and brush, dig post holes or for tree planting and well...just all sorts of projects that you didn't imagine.

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Tractor seems fine but has issues if you live in colder climate. At even -1 Celsius it struggles, hat to think what it will be like when it gets real cold. If you purchase the brush cutter be aware on less its flat ground it does not have what it takes to lift the brush cutter of the country when on slight hills. Consider a larger tractor if on any type of even small hills.

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Ive had my 1025 for 3 years and have right at 400 hours on it. The only issues I've had with my tractor were not mechanical issues, rather issues with the placement of a few things. If I'm using a rear attachment ant had to turn around and look back, I have often times hit the key with my right knee and turned the tractor off. Likewise, I've hit the light switch with my left knee and have turned the lights on. For the small stature of this tractor, it really works its tail off. I have done a ton of work with this little guy, and it doesn't tear up my yard like a larger tractor would. My wife uses the belly mower all summer long to cut the grass. She loves mowing now after complaining about doing it before we got the 1025. I've had a front seal leak, which I've seen is pretty common. I always make sure it has fluid in it, so I am not planning on replacing the seal. The yellow seat turned black within six months of purchase no matter how much I cleaned it or protected it from the elements. I have a pull type bush hog, 6 foot wide and this tractor handles it very well. This was my first new tractor purchase ever. I have no regrets.

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I have owned the 1025R for 3 years with 290 hours of use. Equipped with a front end loader (a must have) a 60 in belly mower and box blade. Have had a couple maintenance issues like leaking fuel line and neutral sensor problem which kept me from starting it. Mow quality is fair on flat ground and so so on a slope. It is a lot faster/more powerful than my JD X380. I live on 5 acres in south Alabama with LOTS of trees and vines with which to deal. Little John does pretty well, but I am going to upgrade to a 2032R for more weight/width/ capacity. Will feel much more secure on a bigger, wider tractor. Still have lots of trees with which to deal from Michael. Have a level lot? 1025 is a fine little tractor.

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Took delivery a few weeks ago. This SCUT is a work horse, love the four wheel drive and Yanmar Diesel engine which sips fuel. Got the imatch implement quick attach system, perfect. Also added the MCS20 or material collection system- I highly reccomend this if you want a top shelf bagging system for leaves and grass clipppings. The front end loader or FEL is powerful for such a small tractor. No tiller needed with an FEL and the Piranah tooth bar which I added after purchase. I went with the 54” deck which cuts my centipede grass nicely. You can also add a backhoe later on which is a nice option.
You won’t regret this purchase.

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I just purchased this new 1025R tractor with backhoe, loader bucket, and drive on mower. I love the ease of removing backhoe and loader. It is much easier than the old Kubota that I had. Have yet to remove the mover, but I am looking forward to do this when required. Tractor preforms out do the old one I had so far. It is also a bit larger than the Kubota.
The only drawback is getting used to the operating requirements, but that will come in time.

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I have owned a 1025 R for 4 years now. It has a 54" quick attach deck on it. No matter what I do to the deck it will not mow without leaving an uncut strip of grass. I have done everything the manual, the JD shop people tell me to do but NOTHING will work. It leaves a strip on both sides of the mower deck no matter how high or low I cut. I have talked to two other people that have the same problem with their decks. Other than this it is the best JD product I have ever owned from a 2355 tractor to a 7810 tractor. This may seem like an easy problem to fix but there are three of us with the same issue. Any suggestions?

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I bought TLB, Love it!! I added 9 iron finish mow deck, 48" Shredder and 48" Box blade. I have 5 acers, 1/2 mile dirt drive way. This unit works great, easy to use. I love the hydro trans and driver over finish mow deck. Very fast to swap out attachments. I'm very surprised the power this unit had for its size. This is a unit you will keep for years. Having this 1025r for over a year and 300 hours on it, I have to say, my John Deere starts and runs like new, Does not leak a drop, I do take good care of but I do keep out side all the time. All I do is keep oil changed (with maintenance agreement) and keep sprayed off. Very good unit, Bach hoe attachment more useful than I though I would ever use.

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I purchased my 1025R December 2017 and have 77 hours on it already. I use it for my own property (3 acres) and it has made the impossible - possible. From grading soil, removing tree stumps, and hauling brush and debris, this tractor has not let me down in any way. Considering it is a small tractor, it has more than enough power to get just about any job done. It can get into tight areas where a larger machine wouldn't be able to. The backhoe has plenty of power, the loader seems to lift whatever I put in it without any trouble. I purchased my tractor in lieu of renting one. This tractor will pretty much pay for itself the first year.

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I can say this unit is a little work horse, when it runs. I have own mine for almost a year now and put nearly 200 hours on it.

First week I had a hydraulic leak developed on the loader. Dealership honor the warranty and fixed it. After that it was in and out of the shop because the hydrostat transmission keep creeping. After the 3rd time the plunger assembly that hold the petals in place came loose and the tractor took off down a steep hill. Scared me but luckily the brake were able to stop the tractor under full power. I ended up taking the unit to the dealership 2 more times for this issue before fixing it myself. ( I replaced the LVA17758 and used lock tight on the treads.)

At 130 hours on the tractor, a backhoe hose busted that runs in between the main boom. They charge 140 dollars to repair it and also stated, "Wearable Items are not covered under the 2000 hour warranty". Eventually, this escalated to a general manager and was taken care of.

Now For the big one. I was bushing hog a field when the tractor completely stopped moving. I turned the unit off and looked underneath it. There was hydraulic oil everywhere. The filter for the transmission was missing and it turns out that the nipple that holds the filter on broke off. This is part of the Cast Aluminum housing, so the transmission casing has to be replaced. Dealership Quoted 3300 dollars for repairs.

John Deere really needs to relocate this or change their design to protect this part of the casing.

Tip: cycle your glow plugs twice to keep the unit for filling your garage up with black smoke, even if its 95F outside it always sputters during the initial start.

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My 1025R is an amazing tractor. I absolutely love it. I got the 60" auto connect deck, 260B back hoe with thumb and the 120R loader. Everything has worked very well and has that feel of quality. I was worried this tractor was going to be too small. However after operating it I am shocked how capable it really is. I would buy this tractor again without thinking twice. I looked at all the other tractors out there, they are not as well rounded of a machine as this. When you buy a Deere you expect quality, a well engineered machine, easy to use attachments and a machine that just operates well. John Deere delivered and then some. Totally satisfied.

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We love our NEW 1025R. It's our second. First 2014 1025R with front mount snowblower plus a Curtis Cab--No Good was cold, poor construction had diesel fumes, snow, water and noisy in cab. Now our 2017 1025R with front mounted snowblower plus NEW MAUSER CAB as seen in brochure excellent; warmer, quieter. OUR SALESMAN WAS RICK MARTIN @ THERIAULT EQUIPMENT in Presque Isle, ME. So stop by and get your own today. Don't wait financing available. Nothing Runs Like a Deere! And Also Nothing Blows Snow Like a Deere!!! You can quote me on that. We also own 2-X390 Lawn Tractors also excellant. Tell Rick Martin that Tom Gagnon sent you.

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I bought this Compact 1025R not because it was cheap >$20k! It was because it was advertised as being very diversified with an auto detached mowing deck , quick attach loader, box blade and snow blower accessories. After operating this tractor for a period of time I found that all of these features advertised with Auto disconnects require near perfect conditions for them to all attach / detach without extra efforts or adjustments. After owning my tractor for one month I decided to detach the mowing deck, when reattaching the mower deck it would not reconnect. I found that the drive shaft assembly linkages we're done in correctly at the John Deere dealership and the service techs did not pay attention to details when installing this assembly so the tractor had to go back to the shop for two days for that correction. Then on month number four I noticed anti-freeze on the floor in my shop. Upon further inspection I found the water pump front shaft seal was leaking! The tractor only has 47 hours on it. Next, I'm finding when the weather is below zero this unit gels up very easily… I've owned diesel tractors before and I have never had gelling issues as this unit seems to have a lot of idiosyncrasies.. I am now waiting for the John Deere dealership shop to pick it up again to put in a new water pump! At this time I'm not too impressed with the level of quality and workmanship coming from John Deere. In closing, this tractor is very expensive and it should not be breaking down with less than 50hrs on it! I hope John Deere improves its workmanship and pays more attention to quality and to all the necessary details in the future construction of these compact tractors as this unit is very frustrating to deal with being brand new.
Thanks

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I recently purchased a 1025R and have to say I'm very impressed with what it can do. I have about three acres with much of it wooded and wanted a tractor to move dirt, clean up fallen trees, etc.. I've had it a week and already have more than 10 hours on it, and it's the middle of December. I'm not a contractor - this purchase was entirely for working my own property. Considering this is a relatively small tractor, the amount of power and versatility it delivers is amazing. I would have to say it's more than what I expected, and I'm more than pleased with the value.

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love my tractor size and all that I have done with it I got the 1025r filb didn't know how much you could do with it my brother-in-law has a much bigger John Deere but still calls me to do the jobs he can't get his larger tractor into and the Backhoe is great for ditches and hole digging wish I had a ripper tooth and bucket thumb will get it down the road has enough power for what I do with it I have seizures so I wanted the seat safety switch which it has so if I try to leave the seat the tractor shuts down and the hydrostats that drive the machine if I take my foot off of the pedal it comes to a stop even on a hill so the 1025r filb fits me just fine it's a little work horse the only problem I had with it is the stabilizer would leak off if the tractor was running or not so when I done the first year service the guys at John Deere shop got it replaced for me and it was under warranty work at no cost to me and that fixed the problem the guys at my local John Deere dealer want me to be happy with my purchase so they go above and beyond to make that happen I think I will get many years out of my machine and it makes my life so much easier to complete my jobs will recommend this to all of my friends

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So I will begin with that i started out with a x738. It was a great machine until the engine block was cracked at 365 hrs., and that was that. So my dealer said that the 1025r was a better more durable machine so I bought it and within the first 15hrs of use the machine had a coolant leak. So brought it back and the dealer fixed the hose fitting, because it was cracked. The next problem happened at 20 hours when I was mowing and the PTO shaft for the mower deck sheared at the u-joint. Note I was on level ground and it was brand new. Took it back to the dealer, and they fixed it in about 4 days. The next break down happened when the tractor wouldn't start. Turns out the power source to the starter wasn't connected very well and needed a new harness. At this point I was mad at the quality of the machine I spent over $27,000 on this machine and it keeps on breaking down while under warranty. The dealership is fixing it every time and thats fine. But if the machine breaks down again I might pull the plug, and trade to a 2038 or try and get a new one because this one isn't working out again. Rant Over Other wise its a great machine and the dealership is great with helping out

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I bought the 1025R in April of 2015 and had nothing but trouble with the thing since.
Got the machine home from the dealer and immediately, the mower deck would not connect properly. Dealer came out and took it to the shop for repairs. Got the machine back and again, something else went wrong. The dealership had the machine for over a month. We made our first payment and the machine was still in the shop. When we did get the machine back, it was a royal pain to get the deck to marry up with the mower.We finally did and I won't remove the mower deck again. I had the machine out yesterday, and the bracket that holds the seat in place broke. I'm not a very big guy by the way. It's been one headache after another with this machine. I wish I had never laid eyes on this thing. Do yourself a favor, don't even entertain the idea of buying a piece of trash like the 1025R. John Deere needs to recall this model.

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To everyone , While waiting on my new 1025r TLB My sales girl Kylan sent me demo to start my project removing a old paver patio concrete side walks tree stumps it is amazing the power and strength this thing has easy to operate. I got my new one today and the improvements are even better. it now has the curved loader bars on the backhoe the hoes are tucked in to the frame fuel filler cap is now lined with steel threads , the back hoe has it's own seat no more swinging the seat around. GO JOHN DEER!!!!!! Could not be happier with my dealer. JD equipment in Marion OH.

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This is my second JD tractor over the past 15 years. The 2210 was my 1st and ran flawlessly for 12 years and I got a good trade in price for it.
My 1025r has loader, mower and backhoe. Runs very well after 3 years of regular use. The loader and backhoe are very well made, easy to remove and install. Not a fan of where the light switch is located, I hit my knee on it all the time. A bit to much plastic instead of steel but by trucks like that now too. For the money you can't go wrong getting a 1025. It's a very good compact tractor. John Deere resale value beats everyone else if you look after it.

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